PICT and Union Project Forge New Partnership for PICT's 2016-2017 Season

On September 1st, PICT Classic Theatre will open its 2016-2017 season at Union Project with SHIRLEY VALENTINE. This marks the start of a new partnership between PICT and Union Project, which will bring high quality theatre to the East End and push the boundaries of how theatre is produced in a community space.

"Union Project has grown from a grassroots community initiative into a regional leader in the arts and community sector, working with organizations big and small to offer high quality arts programming that impacts 20,000 people annually. By partnering with PICT, we're adding to this richness, demonstrating how the arts have the power to build understanding and bring people together."

SHIRLEY VALENTINE is a one-woman show starring Karen Baum, which tells the story of an "everywoman" on a pilgrimage to find herself, discovering her own wit and independence along the way. The play is written by Willy Russell, author of EDUCATING RITA produced in PICT's 2015 season, and is directed by Alan Stanford.

SHIRLEY VALENTINE is the first of five plays to be produced by PICT in its 2016-2017 season at Union Project, located at 801 N. Negley Avenue in Highland Park. In addition to SHIRLEY VALENTINE, the season's productions, will include THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, THE LION IN WINTER, OEDIPUS REX, and SIVE. Each performance will take place on an alley-style stage especially crafted for a nontraditional theatrical experience in Union Project's Great Hall.

"Classic theatre, in its purest sense, is exquisite actors telling enduring stories," said PICT Artistic and Executive Director Alan Stanford. "This season, PICT delivers 'Classics in the Raw,' an opportunity for theatre goers to examine five classic tales in the unique playing space of the Union Project, staged within the heart of the audience and accentuating the qualities that make them timeless. The barriers of the stage have been removed, as we invite patrons to get up close and personal with great plays, great actors, and great ideas."

SHIRLEY VALENTINE performs September 1st through 17th, with tickets and season subscriptions available at www.picttheatre.org or by calling the PICT Ticket Office at 412-561-6000. An opening night celebration will be held at Union Project following the September 3rd performance.